Wild hogs are present in Georgia, and their population has become a significant statewide concern. These animals, scientifically known as feral swine (Sus scrofa), are not native to the state but descend from escaped domestic pigs and European wild boars introduced centuries ago. Feral swine are currently found across all 159 counties. Their rapid proliferation and destructive habits have established them as one of the most challenging invasive species, causing extensive ecological and economic damage. The cumulative annual impact from their activities is estimated to be over $150 million.
Geographic Spread and Population Growth
Feral swine have successfully established populations throughout the state, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse habitats. The highest concentrations are typically found in the Coastal Plain region, particularly along river bottoms and wetlands that provide ample water and dense cover. These areas serve as ideal environments for foraging and breeding, allowing their sounders, or family groups, to thrive.
The primary factor driving their explosive population growth is their reproductive capacity. Feral swine reach sexual maturity at a young age, with some sows capable of breeding as early as six months old. A single sow can produce up to two litters annually, with an average of four to six piglets per litter.
This high birth rate, combined with a lifespan that can exceed four years, allows the population to grow quickly, even with aggressive removal efforts. Exacerbating this spread is the virtual absence of natural predators once the swine reach adult size. Furthermore, their movement is sometimes facilitated by illegal human activity, as some individuals intentionally translocate the hogs to new areas for hunting purposes.
Ecological and Agricultural Destruction
The destruction caused by feral swine affects natural ecosystems and Georgia’s agricultural industry. Their continuous rooting behavior, where they use their snouts to dig for food sources like tubers, roots, and invertebrates, is one of the most damaging activities. This rooting upends the soil surface, resulting in severe soil erosion, which subsequently degrades water quality by increasing sediment and nutrient runoff into waterways.
In agricultural areas, this activity translates directly into significant crop loss for Georgia farmers. Crops like corn, peanuts, and pecans are particularly susceptible to damage, with swine uprooting planted seeds, consuming mature crops, and trampling large sections of fields.
Beyond agriculture, the ecological harm extends to native wildlife. Feral swine are opportunistic omnivores that actively prey on the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds, such as quail and turkeys. Their disturbance of the forest floor and wetland margins also destroys native plant communities and alters the natural habitat structure, impacting many other species.
Disease Transmission and Public Health Concerns
Feral swine carry a wide array of pathogens and parasites, acting as reservoirs for numerous diseases that pose risks to domestic livestock, wildlife, and humans. They are known to host a minimum of 37 parasites and can transmit at least 30 different viral and bacterial diseases. The two primary diseases of concern in Georgia are swine brucellosis and pseudorabies.
Swine brucellosis is a bacterial disease transmissible to humans, typically through the improper handling of infected carcasses or the consumption of undercooked meat. In swine, it causes reproductive issues, including abortions in sows and infertility in boars. Although human cases are rare, individuals who process the meat should take precautions like wearing gloves and ensuring thorough cooking.
Pseudorabies is a viral disease caused by a herpesvirus that has been largely eradicated from domestic hog populations in the United States. However, feral swine remain a significant reservoir for the virus, which is highly contagious and often fatal to cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, and cats. While pseudorabies does not affect humans, its presence in the feral swine population creates a persistent threat of reintroducing the disease into Georgia’s domestic livestock industry. Another public health concern is trichinosis, a parasitic disease that can be transmitted to humans through the ingestion of undercooked feral pork.
Regulatory Framework and Control Measures
In Georgia, feral swine are classified as non-game animals and are considered a pest species, allowing for an aggressive control framework. The state’s approach to management is governed primarily by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). On private land, there is no closed season and no bag limit for feral hogs, reflecting the state’s goal of population reduction.
Hunters may pursue the animals year-round and may use powerful lights for night hunting on private property, provided they have the landowner’s written permission. Trapping and snaring are also common and effective control methods authorized for use. For large-scale or persistent issues, the USDA Wildlife Services often works with landowners to implement intensive removal strategies.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates the movement and holding of live feral swine to prevent the spread of animals and the diseases they carry. Transportation of any live feral hog requires a permit from the GDA. It is illegal to release a trapped or transported live hog into any area that is not securely fenced. This strict regulation aims to curb the practice of illegal translocation, which has contributed to the invasive species’ spread.